In this thought-provoking Podcast episode, hosted by Ben Wakeling, Rob Houlston, Structural Engineer and Shawn Galliers, Director of Sustainability, explores how structural engineering can play a pivotal role in the reuse of existing buildings, offering both sustainability and cost-efficiency benefits. Drawing parallels with other industries-like fashion, electronics, and automotives.
Retaining the structural frame of a building can save embodied carbon and costs compared to full demolition and rebuild. These savings are not just environmental- they’re economic. By approaching buildings from a lifecycle perspective, engineers can unlock value across carbon, material, energy, and cost.
Other industries reuse and repair things like clothes, gadgets and cars, so why not buildings?
Structural engineers are central to this shift. Their responsibilities span:
The new emphasis is that design is about accommodating change, not compromising vision. This mindset is key when adapting buildings for new uses-whether increasing floor space, changing function, or meeting heritage planning requirements.
Historically, buildings were overdesigned due to limited analysis tools-relying on calculators and rules of thumb. Today, engineers must revisit assumptions and ask:
Real-world examples, like masonry walls that defy conventional calculations, highlight the need for a deeper understanding of materials in practice.
Traditionally, success in construction was measured by time and cost. But as society shifts toward electric vehicles, renewable energy, and organic food, the pressure is on architects and engineers to lead the way in sustainable transformation.
🎧 Listen Now!
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable development, adaptive reuse, and the evolving role of structural engineers in shaping a low-carbon future.
Stay tuned for future podcast episodes!
In our latest podcast, Grant Vasey, Director for our Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Group, and Mat Capper, Director of Utilities, delves into one of the most pressing challenges facing UK industry today: Industrial Energy Security.
In this article, Lee Witts, Group Director for Land, Development and Communities at Brookbanks, shares his thoughts on why high quality technical detail and a genuinely multidisciplinary approach are fundamental to turning planning policy into practical outcomes, protecting value and saving client’s time.
Explore how yesterday’s Budget changes the industry landscape for developers, landowners and construction professionals. From tax adjustments to housing and infrastructure priorities, we outline the challenges and positives shaping the sector’s next steps as we move into 2026.